City presents awards to volunteers who enrich the lives of long-term care residents

At a ceremony at Toronto City Hall today, Deputy Mayor Doug Holyday, on behalf of Mayor Ford, congratulated 12 volunteers and groups who have improved the lives of residents of the City of Toronto's 10 directly operated long-term care homes by generously donating their time, energy and skills.

"These volunteers make a positive difference for long-term care residents," said Councillor Holyday. "They support a wide range of programs that enrich people's lives and connect them to the community."

The City of Toronto's Long-Term Care Homes and Services division is the largest not-for-profit long-term care provider in Ontario, offering a continuum of services to clients in the community and in the City's 10 long-term care homes. The division has a reputation for innovation and excellence, thanks in large part to the 2,000 volunteers who contribute their time each year.

"These extraordinary people are vital to the day-to-day life of our homes, helping to make them vibrant and enjoyable places to live," said Sandra Pitters, General Manager of Toronto Long-Term Care Homes and Services. "Volunteers are true partners in care, providing services that respect, support and enable residents."

Each year, the division honours its volunteers during National Volunteer Week, making a special effort to recognize individual volunteers and groups for extraordinary contributions.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.